Sunday, October 26, 2008 21:46
Faversham Town 1 Beckenham Town 0
By Tony Gray
For match photos follow the link above
Beckenham Town left Salters Lane after being defeated by a Lilywhite side for the second time in five weeks as the two sides clashed in this second round Premier Division Cup fixture.
Not a vintage performance from the home side against a Beckenham outfit greatly improved since their 5 - 1 drubbing at Salters Lane in mid September but, confirmation of the fact that continued effort pays dividends with man of the match Damian Abel finding the net in the dying minutes of the match.
The first half saw both sides battle hard although neither team managed to create anything to challenge either goalkeeper.
Wade Falana and Durrand Jemmott both had chances for the visitors with Dave Soutan and Damian Abel going close at the other end, Town's best chance of the half fell to Roy Guiver who collected the ball on the edge of the box before turning to chip the ball over Becks' keeper Michael Holder - the ball narrowly clearing the crossbar as well as the keeper.
The second half saw much of the same, plenty of midfield action but little of substance in front of goal. Beckenham were reduced to 10 men on 52 minutes as referee Paul Beadle monentarily looked to lose control of the game, a foul by Dane Luchford on Andy Callaghan went unpunsished with Callaghan left motionless on the Salters Lane turf. As the Beckenham defender realised that play was continuing he sprang to life sbefore sprinting 20 yards to tackle Dave Soutan from behind only yards from referee Beadle who showed no hesitation in ending Callaghan's involvement in the game by issuing a straight red card.
Even with ten men Beckenham continued to battle and for much of the second period looked to be the better of the two sides.
Dane Luchford and Roy Guiver made way for Steve O'Brien and Sean Hetterley respectively as Town looked to inject a touch of pace into what can only be described as a disjointed Town performance although Abel always looked dangerous when in possession of the ball.
As the final whistle drew closer Town finally had a change of luck in front of goal, a well placed through ball from Dean Yorath put Abel through, the Town No.8 ran with the ball to the edge of the area before firing low past Holder to break the deadlock.
Beckenham must consider themselves unlucky to leave Salters Lane without a draw and will certainly be looking for revenge when the two sides meet again next Saturday to contest the second leg at Eden Park Avenue, kick-off at 15:00
Town's Star Man: Damian Abel - never gave up.
Faversham Town: Kevin Readings (7); Jamie Sparks (6); Dean Yorath (7); Tom hickman (6); Ashley Brown (6); Lee Shearer (6); Shane Hamshare (6); Damian Abel (8); Roy Guiver (6); Dave Soutan (6); Dane Luchford (6)
Substitutes: Steve O'Brien (for Luchford) (6); Sean Hetterley (for Guiver) (6),
Unused: Carl Hodgson; Steve Lloyd; Kris Richardson